ALBANY — Big box stores in Albany County will soon be required to establish in-store recycling programs for plastic bags under a new law.

The law, which was passed unanimously Monday evening by the Albany County Legislature, requires operators of stores with retail space of 10,000 square feet or more to comply or face a $1,000 fine.

County Executive Michael Breslin is expected to sign the bill into law soon.

The so-called big box stores — such as Lowe’s, Home Depot or Wal-Mart — must place clearly marked and identifiable collection bins at or near entrances to their stores so consumers can voluntarily drop off their used plastic bags.

County Legislator Chris Higgins, who sponsored the bill, said the bags are a nuisance in the community, clogging drains and clinging to trees. Residents need to take proactive steps to help protect the environment, he said.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only about 5 percent of plastic bags nationwide were recycled in 2005.

The county will begin a public awareness campaign so consumers are aware of the option and the benefits of recycling plastic bags. “If given the opportunity, people will bring them back to recycle them,” said Higgins, adding that it’s important for the county to take the lead in environmental problems.